There are several reasons why ceramic pots and pans are a good choice for cooking. One reason is that they are non-stick, which means that food will not stick to the surface of the pan while cooking. This makes it easier to cook and also makes clean-up a breeze. Ceramic pots and pans are also very durable and can last for a long time with proper care. They are also scratch resistant, so they won’t get damaged easily. Additionally, ceramic pots and pans are safe to use because they don’t contain any harmful chemicals or coatings. They are also environmentally friendly because they don’t release any harmful fumes when heated. Finally, ceramic pots and pans are typically very affordable, so they are a cost-effective choice for cooking.
Welcome to our large ceramic cookware test for 2023 January. Here we present all ceramic pots and pans that we have tested in more detail. We have put together extensive background information for you and added a summary of customer reviews online.
We want to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best ceramic pan for you.
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer you interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should pay attention to if you want to buy a ceramic pan.
Our Testing Approach
Ceramic Cookware
- With a ceramic pan, cooking meat and fish dishes is child’s play thanks to the integrated non-stick coating. This means that fat-free preparation is no longer a problem.
- Depending on your cooking habits, you should think about whether you want to buy a frying pan, a grill pan, a braising pan or maybe a wok.
- The dimensions, weight, processing and diameter are the most important criteria that you should consider when buying a ceramic pan.
Ceramic Pan Test:
Our Favorites are Best Quality, Best Affordable, Non Stick & Non Toxic Cookwares
- The best ceramic frying pan
- The best wok pan made of ceramic
- The best ceramic braising pan
- The best ceramic grill pan
Best Nonstick Ceramic Pan For 2023
The Best Affordable Ceramic Frying Pan
12″ Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with 100% APEO & PFOA-Free Stone-Derived Non-Stick Coating from Germany
The Jamie Oliver ceramic frying pan made of stainless steel is easy to keep clean and versatile. The ceramic-coated frying pan has the dimensions 48 x 30 x 10 cm with a diameter of approximately 28 cm. It is suitable for all types of stoves.
The Tefal Prometal coating prevents the food from burning on the pan bottom and also ensures that liquids run off. Are you looking for a frying pan that can be used in many different ways, fits well in your hand and is also easy to care for, this is the right one for you.
The Best Wok Pan With Lid Made of Ceramic
The Silit Wuhan wok pan is made of stainless steel. The ceramic wok has the dimensions 48 x 31 x 10.6 cm and therefore has a lot of volume, even for liquid dishes. The pan can withstand temperatures up to 400 ° Celsius and is suitable for the oven and induction cooker.
This wok pan sits comfortably in the hand and enables a wide range of dishes to be seared quickly. If you are looking for a reliable and high quality wok pan, this is the right choice for you.
The Best Ceramic Braising Pan With Lid
The ceramic-coated braising pan from Tefal has the dimensions 25.4 x 44.4 x 10.5 cm and has high edges. The pan is only suitable up to approximately 175 ° Celsius in the oven, but is suitable for induction. The pan is made of aluminum, so it has good thermal properties.
There is an integrated temperature indicator in the bottom of the pan, which changes color when the pan is sufficiently heated. A glass lid with stainless steel rim, steam opening and silicone button handle is included. This ceramic pan is ideal for anyone who likes to cook stews.
The Best Ceramic Grill Pan With Lid
The ceramic-coated grill pan made of cast aluminum from Tefal has the dimensions 48 x 28 x 8 cm. Thanks to their rectangular shape and flat edges, steaks, fish or vegetables can be grilled in the pan. When roasting, the grill strips typical of a grillage.
The pan can be used for all types of stoves and can be used in the oven up to around 175 ° Celsius. If you are looking for a handy and high-quality ceramic grill pan, this is the one for you.
Guide: What To Think About Before You Buy a Ceramic Pan
What is a ceramic pan or what makes a ceramic pan?
Did you know that ceramic pans can be heated up to 400 degrees?
Fat-free roasting is also possible and it is suitable for allergy sufferers.
The ceramic coating provides a non-stick property so that you can also prepare food with little fat. Since these allow even heat distribution and storage, overheating of the food can be prevented.
The ceramic pan consists of:
- Metal body made of stainless steel or aluminum
- Pan bottom (attention with induction cooker)
- Handle (mostly made of plastic; partially removable)
- Non-stick coating (multi-layer with a protective layer underneath)
The ceramic coating is mostly white, but it is also available in dark or colored. Another special feature is that ceramic pans are free of harmful substances (PTFE and PFOA). However coating of different material on ceramic must be checked. Get more details on “Can Cookware Be Toxic? What to Know and How to Choose Pots and Pans?”
The special thing about a ceramic pan is the ceramic coating. The (mostly white) coating has non-stick properties and ensures even heat distribution. (Photo: invitation_to_food / pixabay.com)
Where can I buy a ceramic pan?
You can now find pans with a ceramic coating both stationary and online. A ceramic pan can be found quickly in specialist shops, supermarkets, but also in discounters. Buying on the Internet has become increasingly popular recently.Buying online offers you the opportunity to compare prices and details on a large scale. Offline you have the advantage that you can check the pan for various features and personal preferences before you buy it.
Online presences are listed below where you can buy ceramic pans
- amazon.com
- ebay.com
Every ceramic pan presented on this page is linked in at least one of these shops. When you have found the right pan, you can click on the link, read the product description carefully and finally purchase it.
What does a ceramic pan cost?
In short: there is a suitable one for every budget. Here it depends on the type and size of the ceramic pan, as well as on your stove type. Starting from the classic frying pan with ceramic coating to a professional ceramic pan, the prices vary between ten and 100 euros.The prices for the classic ceramic frying pan start at 10 euros and are also suitable for a small budget. Braise pans start at 25 euros. The grill experience can be prepared by the ceramic grill pan on average for 35 euros. Ceramic woks are available from retailers for as little as 25 euros, with prices for a branded wok pan starting at 45 euros.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Ceramic frying pan | 10-100 $ |
| Ceramic braising pan | 25-130 $ |
| Ceramic grill pan | 25-60 $ |
| Ceramic wok pan | 25-110 $ |
It is also crucial whether you buy the pan individually or in a set, whether the pan has removable handles and whether a lid is included.
Important Note By Expert in Kitchen Accessories
What colors can I buy a ceramic pan in?
The ceramic pans are available in a wide variety of colors. A ceramic pan is a pan made of stainless steel or aluminum with a ceramic non-stick coating. A distinction is often made between white and dark ceramic coatings. The color of the coating is not important because both are equally effective.The exterior color can also vary. For example, neon-colored ceramic pans from the company “Berndes” have been available for a short time. These are the same color both inside and outside.
What are the advantages of a ceramic pan (compared to Teflon pans)?
You can of course not only cook in ceramic pans, but also in any other pan. But why the ceramic pan is our favorite and not, for example, the Teflon pan, you will find out in the following:
- Ceramic pans are heat-resistant and have an even heat distribution
- Non-stick coating prevents your food from burning
- You can easily clean the pan with the ceramic coating
- Ceramic pans allow low-fat preparation of your dishes
- Ceramics are inherently tasteless and odorless
Teflon pans consist of a PFTE coating. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) is a kind of plastic and is therefore more sensitive to heat.
Pans with a Teflon coating are less scratch-resistant, so no spatula or cutlery made of metal should be used here, as this can destroy the coating. The ceramic coating enables even roasting up to 400 degrees Celsius without anything burning.
Excessive heat can be dangerous! If fats are overheated, the carcinogenic and toxic substance acrolein is created. It irritates the mucous membranes.
Assuming careful handling, it is scratch-resistant. Ceramic pans give you the opportunity to put food in the oven after roasting so that it can continue to cook there. Of course, gratin can also be used in a ceramic pan.
Ceramic pans have significant advantages over conventional pans.
Ceramic Pan Suitable For Whome?
Ceramic pans are basically suitable for everyone. You can either sear your steak or let your vegetables cook carefully. Thanks to the non-stick coating, your pancake is baked evenly without anything sticking to the bottom of the pan.Whether meatballs, fried potatoes or fried eggs – thanks to the ceramic coating, the preparation of your dishes is no longer a challenge, much more it is child’s play. This means you can also dare to prepare dishes that until now seemed impossible to you.
What Sizes are Available For Ceramic Pans?
You will find a large selection of ceramic pans in various sizes on the market. The size is measured on the top edge of the pan and varies depending on the type and shape.The most popular and most frequently used variant is the ceramic pan with a diameter of 28 cm. You can find the classic ceramic frying pan from a diameter of 16 cm and up to 32 cm.
| Ceramic pan size | Household size |
|---|---|
| 16cm diameter | Single household |
| 20cm diameter | Single household |
| 24cm diameter | Single household / multi-person household |
| 28cm diameter | Classic pan size / multi-person household |
| 32cm diameter | Multi-person household |
| 36cm diameter | gastronomy |
A ceramic pan with a diameter of 20 – 24 cm is sufficient for single households. Multi-person households with a diameter of 24-32 cm are well served. Ceramic pans with a diameter of 36 cm and above are only used in restaurants.
What do I have to consider before buying?
Basically, you should pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions before buying. But there are numerous manufacturers: From the cheap ceramic pan from the discounter to the professional ceramic pan.
If you want joy instead of frustration when cooking, it is worth spending a few euros more. Brand manufacturers have years of experience in production and are usually more durable.
You should also pay attention to the following points:
- Which pan is suitable for my stove?
- Is the pan suitable for induction cookers?
- How heat-resistant is the handle and can it be removed if necessary?
- What do I want to prepare in the ceramic pan?
- How big should the ceramic pan be?
Are ceramic pans suitable for gas stoves / ceramic hobs / induction stoves / ovens?
As a rule, a pan with a ceramic coating can be used on all types of stoves. Only with induction cookers should you make sure that the bottom of the pan should be ferromagnetic.But no worry. The manufacturers usually explicitly state for which stove the pan is suitable. If your pan has removable handles, you can easily slide your pan into the oven.
Which Ceramic Pans are Free of PTFE and PFOA?
In contrast to plastic-coated pans, ceramic coatings do not consist of any substances that are hazardous to health. Ceramic pans are free of PTFE and PFOA. If handled incorrectly, parts of the coating are unlikely to come loose and mix with the food.Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known in its form as Teflon, is a kind of plastic. If the Teflon pan gets hotter than 202 degrees Celsius, carcinogenic substances are released. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Perfluorooctanoic acid is an additive which is required for the production of polymers in the production of Teflon.It is recommended by healthline to use non-PTFE and non-PFOA cookwares.
What does the non-stick coating bring and does it wear off over time?
The non-stick coating prevents your food from burning in the pan, making cooking a pleasure. The food is fried evenly thanks to the optimal heat distribution of the ceramic coating.The ceramic coating also enables fat-free preparation of dishes and is therefore healthy and gentle on vitamins. The ceramic pan coating is often scratch and abrasion resistant.
So that the non-stick coating of your pan is maintained in the long term, you should ensure proper cleaning and regular maintenance. You should avoid pointed and metallic objects despite their scratch resistance. The use of cold-pressed oils weakens the non-stick effect because residues collect on the ceramic coating.
Decision: Which types of ceramic pans are there and which is the right one for you?
Ceramic pans are very trendy in the new generation of pans. There are 4 different versions of ceramic pans that could be used:
- Frying pan
- Grill pan
- Stew pan
- Wok
Each of these types has a different design and thus their areas of application vary, which creates its own advantages and disadvantages for the pan type. Depending on what and how you want to prepare something, a different type of ceramic pan is best for you.
In the following section we will help you with your choice to find out which ceramic pan is the best for you. In the following, we will introduce you to all of the above types of ceramic pans and explain what their advantages and disadvantages are.
What is a ceramic frying pan and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The frying pans are the all-rounder in the kitchen. It can be used to prepare everything. They are suitable for meat, fish, vegetables but also for fried eggs in the morning. Based on the name, it can be assumed that the pan is made entirely of ceramic.
The bottom is usually made of aluminum or stainless steel and the pan is covered with a ceramic coating. Before there were different types of ceramic pans, ceramic frying pans were THE ceramic pans. Even today, most people understand the ceramic pan to be the most well-known frying pan.
So that the ceramic pan is also suitable for your stove, you should read the product description carefully before buying.
What is a ceramic grill pan and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
If the weather doesn’t play along but you don’t want to miss out on the barbecue experience, the ceramic grill pan is just the thing. The advantage here is that the corrugated roasting surface allows meat, fish and vegetables to be prepared with little fat.
The structure of a ceramic grill pan resembles a real grill. Due to the corrugation, the meat does not lie on the floor and therefore represents a grillage. The meat is fried on the grooves and cooked from the lower heat. This creates the popular grill strips on the meat; an angular grill pan is advantageous here because the roasting area is larger.
What is a ceramic braising pan and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
You also want to turn large amounts of vegetables in the pan without anything falling out of the pan? Then the braising pan is just right for you. Braising pans are characterized by the high rim and are very suitable for preparing vegetables and meat.
The high edges make it easy to steam and turn even large quantities of vegetables or the like. Also, because of the high rim when braising meat, the juice remains in the high-rim pan so that you can use it to prepare a sauce for the meat. Furthermore, the extremely high edges allow you to stir dishes quickly and safely, which can also be liquid.
The special heat storage in large pans ensures that the dishes in the pan are kept warm even after cooking. A tip from us: order the lid of the braising pan when you buy it
What is a ceramic wok pan and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Ceramic woks have become an integral part of the kitchen. They are an extension of the frying pans and can be used for all sorts of things. If you want to prepare Asian-inspired dishes that may contain a lot of liquids, ceramic woks are very suitable.
Real woks have the shape of a hemisphere and have a round base, so that they can only be used on gas stoves. Ceramic wok pans are a mixture of traditional woks and normal pans. Thanks to the flattened bottom, you can use it like a conventional pan.
The special thing about a ceramic wok is that the temperature can be regulated by stirring or moving the dish back and forth. Although the center of the wok pan gets very hot, the sides stay cool. Ingredients that need high heat can be placed in the middle and the rest can cook slowly on the sides.
Purchase Criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate ceramic pans
In this section we will tell you the most important factors by which you can compare and evaluate pans with a ceramic coating. You can find out whether and which pan is the right one for you using the criteria.
In summary, these are:
- Material
- Diameter
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Oven compatibility
- Colour
- Suitable for induction
- Fat-free preparation
- Pouring rim and with lid
In the following paragraphs you can read about the meaning of the individual purchase criteria and how you can classify them.
Material
Any type of material can be used with ceramic-coated pans. Among other things, the function of the material is to direct the energy (heat) into the ingredients. Aluminum and stainless steel are the most common and widespread materials for ceramic pans.
Pure aluminum pans are rarely available today. They are usually ceramic-coated or have a PTFE coating. Aluminum pans are cheap, light in weight and best conduct heat.
The special thing about stainless steel is that it cannot rust. Stainless steel is hard and easy to care for. It is steel, to which nickel and chrome have been added. In addition, aluminum or copper plates are often used inside a stainless steel pan to improve heat conduction.
Poor thermal conductivity means that the pan takes longer to react to changes in temperature and to reach the cooking temperature.
Diameter
When choosing the diameter of your pan, you should pay attention to two points:
- The diameter, i.e. the width of the pan base, should have the same or a similar diameter as the part of the stove surface on which the pan is to be used. This is particularly important for electric and induction hobs, as the pan base is the part that is in direct contact with the heat source.
- The diameter of the pan mirror indicates how much fried food can fit in your pan. The pan mirror is the other side of the pan bottom, which is used as a frying surface.
Depending on the shape of your pan, the pan level may be smaller than the pan diameter (see wok pan)
Dimensions
Basically, the size of your pan depends on what is cooked and for whom. The diameter of the pan base and the height of the pan together form the volume, i.e. the capacity, of the pan. Depending on the purpose and number of people, you should choose a high or low margin.
Ceramic frying pans with high edges, such as wok pans or stew pans, give you the option of cooking with liquids or preparing sauces without you spilling anything from the pan. Ceramic pans with a low rim are recommended for preparing dishes that land on the plate immediately and are not liquid after preparation, such as pancakes or steaks.
Weight
The weight of your ceramic pan shouldn’t be too heavy or too light. If your pan is light, it’s a sign of thin material. If your pan is thin, it tends to deform more quickly. Most often this happens with very cheap pans.
If your pan is too heavy, cooking with it will be more difficult than you thought. If you want to pour something out of the pan, this can quickly become an arm workout. Also keep in mind: the further back you put the pan handle, the heavier the pan seems.
Here is a small recommendation:
- 24 cm: 800 g to 1.5 kg
- 28 cm: 1 kg to 1.8 kg
Oven compatibility
A big plus are pans that are suitable for your oven. So you can also use the pan to heat or bake your food in the oven. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions: The handle of the pan should be heat-resistant or removable.
In the case of large pans in particular, it is advantageous if the handles can be removed. In this way you have the possibility to easily grasp your pan when removing it and inserting it into the oven.
Colour
Pans with a ceramic coating are available in all colors. There is a suitable pan in the preferred color for everyone on the market. With the ceramic coating you can choose between classic white and dark coating.
After a while, the white coating can cause discolouration from the food. Therefore, pay attention to the correct cleaning and care of your pan. With dark coatings, you have the advantage that scratches are not noticed immediately.
Again, be careful not to use non-metallic objects in the pan so that there are no scratches at all. Whether your pan is coated light or dark has no effect on the function of the non-stick coating.
The pan bodies of the ceramic pans are also available in different colors. Whether colored or metallic is entirely up to your wishes. You can find out more about this in the Advice section.
Suitable for Induction
In order for your pan to work on an induction cooker, the bottom of your pan must be ferromagnetic. The ferromagnetism property is generated by external magnetic fields, making the material magnetic. This creates an attractive force between the external magnetic field and the ferromagnetic material.
Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information. Induction cookers work roughly as follows: If the pan reaches the ferromagnetic field of the induction cooker, it is not the hob itself that is heated, but the cookware.
Here, energy is converted into heat by transferring the energy to the bottom of the ceramic pan as an alternating electromagnetic field. Under the cooking surface is the coil with current. The magnetic field creates eddy currents that heat the pan.
Fat-free preparation
Are you paying attention to your figure or are you trying to eat healthy? Then ceramic pans are just the thing for you. They enable you to prepare food fat-free and healthy. Your vegetables stay crisp and your meat nice and juicy. This way, the vitamins are not destroyed.
Our tip: Prepare vegetables in the ceramic wok fat-free and enjoy with yoghurt.
Thanks to the non-stick coating, the food does not burn when seared. Should you still not want to do without oil, please make sure that you use oils with a high smoke point. Oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, are unsuitable for (hot) searing.
It is best to add the oil to the pan shortly before adding the food after the pan has been heated for about 3 minutes. Warning: Acrolein is toxic and carcinogenic and is created when fats overheat. It is also irritating to the mucous membranes.
Lid and pouring rim
A pouring rim allows you to pour without dripping. A pouring rim is particularly advantageous for braised and wok pans, because here you can pour sauces or soups, i.e. liquids in general, without dripping. The liquids therefore flow controllably to where they are required.
A lid is also an important aspect to watch out for. Not all pans include a lid on delivery. But a lid has more than just one function: it decides on the nutrient content in the food, the cooking time and the energy consumption.
Make sure the lid is correctly on the edge of the pan, otherwise water vapor and nutrients will be lost and your food will not cook properly. A glass lid has the advantage that you can control your food without interrupting the cooking process. This is how you save energy.
Trivia: Facts worth knowing about ceramic frying pans
Can you cook in a ceramic pan without fat / oil?
Yes. Ceramic pans contribute to health. Nothing stands in the way of a healthy, low-fat and tasty meal. The ceramic seal allows you to prepare fried eggs or fried potatoes without fat and oil.
How do I clean a (burned) ceramic pan?
For cleaning, you should only use clear water and a sponge. It would be ideal to wipe alone with a kitchen towel. Burnt food can be left overnight with warm detergent water and cleaned in the morning with a soft sponge.
Cleaning with steel wool and rough cleaning objects is prohibited. These destroy the non-stick effect. Dishwashers are not suitable for the ceramic pan because the aggressive cleaning agents attack the ceramic coating.
Which fat / oil do I have to use with a ceramic pan?
When cooking in a ceramic pan, use oil with a high smoke point, such as refined oil. You should avoid virgin olive oil or oil with a low smoke point when frying. Margarine is very suitable for flour, potato and ice cream dishes.
The following oils and fats are well suited for the ceramic pan:
- Peanut oil, refined
- Sesame oil, refined
- Soybean oil, refined
- Rapeseed oil, refined
- Sunflower oil, refined
- Clarified butter
What is the “life span” of a ceramic pan?
The non-stick effect depends on the quality of your pan and will not last a lifetime. Some ceramic pans lose their effectiveness after just 2 to 3 months, whereas high-quality pans work for several years.
As explained in advance, cleaning and care play a crucial role:
- By hand with a soft sponge and water
- Avoid steel wool and aggressive cleaning agents
- Use highly heatable fats / oils
- Cooking utensils made of silicone, wood or plastic. Avoid metallic and pointed objects
Can a ceramic pan go into the dishwasher?
No. The aggressive cleaning agents used in the dishwasher destroy the non-stick effect of the ceramic coating on your pan. Cleaning by hand is quick and the life of your pan is not shortened.
What is the lotus effect?
The lotus effect is another name for the non-stick effect of the ceramic coating. This prevents the pan from burning and allows liquid to roll off.
Who invented the ceramic pan?
William A. Groll, the current head of product development at All-Clad Metalcrafter. His company, known for its high quality pans, was the first to patent a ceramic non-stick coating.
Manufacture of ceramic pans
William A. Groll describes how to apply the ceramic coating:
- The metal is already in the shape of a pan. In order to obtain a metal surface that is as smooth as possible and to improve the non-stick effect, the surface is first smoothed and finally electropolished.
- The ceramic layer is sprayed on in a pressure chamber at 260 – 480 degrees Celsius.
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